Which city is cheaper, Cartagena or Mar del Plata?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mar del Plata vs. Cartagena for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Mar del Plata or Cartagena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Mar del Plata and Cartagena can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Mar del Plata or Cartagena?
Mar del Plata
Mar del Plata is found only 404 km southeast of the city of Buenos Aires, on the Atlantic coast. Today Mar Del Plata is Argentina‘s most well known beach resort. It has successfully married the two worlds of beach and city into a fun, cosmopolitan urban center with the presence of highly developed tourist infrastructure. Founded in 1874, Mar del Plata was at first mainly an industrial and commercial center before becoming a vacation destination for Argentinians. For a peaceful trip and intimate oceanfront promenades, avoid visiting Mar del Plata during summer time, as the gorgeous arced coastline will be crawling with visitors. But the city is more than just beaches. It also offers some culture, lively nightlife, and great food.
Cartagena
The capital of the Bolivar Department of Colombia, Cartagena is one of the most visited cities in the country. It sits on Colombia's northern coast by the Caribbean Sea. It's a port city with a population of almost 900,000, making it the fifth largest city in Colombia. The city has a rich history and was the first Spanish colony on the American continent. It was also one of the first sanctuaries for freed African slaves in the Americas.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMar del Plata $30Cartagena $31
The average daily cost (per person) in Mar del Plata is $30, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is $31. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Mar del Plata and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMar del Plata $11Cartagena $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMar del Plata $22Cartagena $36
Compare Hotels in Mar del Plata and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Mar del Plata or Cartagena? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Mar del Plata Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mar del Plata $8.65Cartagena $4.95
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- One way private water transfer between Cartagena and the Islands (6 ppl max): $530
- Private Transfer from La Manga Club to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $259
- Private Transfer from Cartagena to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $249
- Private Transfer Cartagena to Palomino (or vice versa): $195
- Private transfer to Barranquilla from Cartagena- Traslado privado a Barranquilla: $170
- Departure Private Transfer Cartagena City to Cartagena Airport CTG by Minivan: $96
- Transfer to Tayrona Park, Santa Marta or Barranquilla City from Cartagena: $84
- Departure Private Transfer Cartagena City to Cartagena Airport CTG by 2x4 Car: $72
- Private transfer Cartagena airport -Mamonal: $65
- Transfer Cartagena: $50
- Transfer service in Cartagena: $50
- Private Transfer: Cartagena to Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG): $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Mar del Plata or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Mar del Plata change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayMar del Plata $13Cartagena $6.48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cartagena
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cartagena.
- Cartagena Cuisine Cooking Experience: $30
- BIKE & BITE food tour: $52
- Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
- Street food tour with Julie: $64
- Food Tour in Cartagena Walled City: $66
- Street Food & Local Food Tour: $66
- SkyKitchen 4 Course Cooking Class: $81
- Bazurto Market Tour and Cooking Class in Cartagena: $92
- Cartagena - Food Tour: $100
- Caribbean Cuisine Cooking Class: $105
- Shared Local Cooking Class and Lunch in Cartagena: $110
- Bazurto Local Market Tour & Cooking Class: $115
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mar del Plata $7.86Cartagena $14
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Hour Panoramic tour for cruise ship passengers: $40
- 4-Hour Fishing Experience with Locals Near Cartagena: $103
- 6 Hr Cartagena Fishing Experience: $974
- Accessible sightseeing tour of Cartagena: $140
- Audio Guide - Walking Tour with Interactive (Cartagena de Indias): $10
- Aviario National Park Shared Tour: $63
- Bar Tour for Guys and Bachelor Parties: $20
- Bazurto Market + La Popa Convent Cartagena City Tour 4H: $81
- Bazurto Market Half day tour in Cartagena: $125
- Biking Tour Cartagena: $19
- Birdwatching & Photography experience at the National Aviary in Barú: $279
- Bolivar Pirate Island Experience with Lunch: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMar del Plata $6.16Cartagena $6.08
When comparing the travel costs between Mar del Plata and Cartagena, we can see that Cartagena is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
When is the best time to visit Mar del Plata or Cartagena?
Mar del Plata has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cartagena experiences a tropical climate with fairly warm weather most of the year.
Should I visit Mar del Plata or Cartagena in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Mar del Plata as well as Cartagena. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Mar del Plata is cooler than Cartagena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mar del Plata in January are around 20°C (69°F), and Cartagena is about 29°C (84°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mar del Plata this time of the year. In the summer, Mar del Plata often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cartagenain July. Mar del Plata gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun.
Mar del Plata usually gets more rain in January than Cartagenain July. Mar del Plata gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyMar del Plata 20°C (69°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Mar del Plata or Cartagena in the Autumn?
Both Cartagena and Mar del Plata are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical climate.
In April, Mar del Plata is generally much colder than Cartagenain October. Temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 15°C (59°F), and Cartagena stays around 27°C (81°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. In April, Mar del Plata usually receives less rain than Cartagenain October. Mar del Plata gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberMar del Plata 15°C (59°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Mar del Plata or Cartagena in the Winter?
Both Cartagena and Mar del Plata during the winter are popular places to visit. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
Mar del Plata is much colder than Cartagena in the winter. The temperature in Mar del Plata is usually 9°C (47°F) in July, and Cartagena stays around 27°C (81°F)in January.
Mar del Plata usually gets more rain in July than Cartagenain January. Mar del Plata gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryMar del Plata 9°C (47°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Mar del Plata or Cartagena in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mar del Plata and Cartagena. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Mar del Plata is much colder than Cartagena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mar del Plata in October are around 13°C (56°F), and Cartagena is about 28°C (82°F)in April.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. Mar del Plata usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during spring. Mar del Plata gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Mar del Plata usually receives more rain than Cartagenain April. Mar del Plata gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilMar del Plata 13°C (56°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Mar del Plata
| Mar del Plata | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (69°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (65°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 9°C (48°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 9°C (47°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 9°C (49°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 19°C (66°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
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